Small-scale ways to ease the journey

These new products can make life easier in uncomfortable situations. They may be available in stores. Prices do not include shipping.

Comfort station

The Airline Comfort Set: It is the latest silk travel item from DreamSacks, and it might make you want a nap even when you’re not on the road. The set, which also works in the car or on a train trip, includes a satiny washable silk pillowcase (travel- or airline-pillow size), padded eyeshades and a soft 72-by-43-inch silk blanket with a 10-inch pocket to keep your feet warm. It rolls into a 12-inch silk bag with draw cord and is available in midnight blue or lilac.

Airline Comfort Set (BL200) is $55 from DreamSacks, (800) 670-7661, www.dreamsack.com.

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Phone volumizer

The Walker Portable Phone Amplifier: This is just what the ear doctor ordered for raising the sound level on phones at home or away. The easy-to-install, battery-powered 3 1/2-by-2-by-

1-inch amplifier connects between the base of the telephone and the receiver through a modular phone jack. You can increase high-frequency sound (the most common casualty of hearing loss) by using the volume slide button and/or push-button sound booster. The amplifier works only with corded phones with the dial pad in the base of the phone. It runs on two AAA batteries, which are included. The unit can feel a little clunky hanging from the telephone cord.

Walker CE-125 Portable Telephone Amplifier is $29.95. For information, (800) 552-3368, www.mywalker.com.

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Glasses to go

SlimStix Reading Glasses: These are skinny, featherweight, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses that come in their own tote tube. They are available in red, blue or graphite frames, and they come in four strengths: +1.00, +1.50, +2.00 and +2.50. A display chart helps you choose the right strength. This is no substitute for an eye exam and prescribed corrective lenses, but for many folks of a certain age, these make a good backup pair to stash in the car or carry bag when confronted with maps, menus, telephone books or other reading matter.

SlimStix Reading Glasses are $13 from Zelco; (800) 431-2486, www.zelco.com.

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Pit stop

The TravelJohn Disposable Urinal: It comes to the rescue when you need to answer nature’s call without a bathroom nearby. The leakproof gel-filled pouch absorbs up to 28 ounces of liquid and has a soft-contoured cup top that securely channels flow for men, women or children. A built-in closure secures the pouch and eliminates odor. Each pouch includes an antiseptic hand wipe, and the whole thing is nontoxic and disposable.

TravelJohn Disposable Urinal is $22.50 for 10 from TravelJohn, www.traveljohn.com, or $4.99 for three at Reach Good Health Care, (888) 518-8389.

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